association – Building Pennsylvania

KCA Joins Forces with the Master Builders’ Association to Bring the Construction Suicide Prevention Hike For Hope to Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Event Webpage: 2026 Pennsylvania Construction Hike For Hope

Harrisburg, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is proud to announce it is once again partnering with the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBAWPA) to bring the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and its proven suicide-prevention resources to Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

This renewed collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing mental health challenges facing construction professionals — a workforce that continues to experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and substance-use related deaths. According to recent industry data highlighted in the REASON Newsletter, a joint publication of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, targeted prevention efforts are beginning to make an impact, with encouraging declines in overdose deaths and early signs of progress in suicide prevention across the construction sector.

“Safety in construction has always meant more than hard hats and harnesses,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director, KCA and Co-Chairman of the 2026 Hike For Hope. “By working together with the Master Builders’ Association and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we are reinforcing that mental health and suicide prevention are essential parts of a truly safe jobsite.”

2026 Suicide Prevention Hike for Hope

As part of this effort, KCA and the MBAWPA will jointly host the 2026 Suicide Prevention Hike for Hope on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with two locations across Pennsylvania:

Settlers Ridge, Pittsburgh — led by the MBAWPA
Memorial Lake State Park, Lebanon County — led by the KCA

The Hike for Hope brings together construction professionals, families, and community members to raise awareness, honor lives lost, and support suicide-prevention education and research through AFSP.

“The Hike for Hope sends a powerful message — that no one in our industry has to struggle alone,” said Robert McCall, Director of Safety, MBAWPA, and Co-Chairman of the 2026 Hike For Hope. “By hosting events on both sides of the state, we’re expanding awareness and access to life-saving resources for construction workers and their families.”

Expanding Suicide Prevention Resources Across Jobsites

Through this partnership, KCA and the MBAWPA are raising funds for the AFSP and 100% of the proceeds stay in Pennsylvania to help Pennsylvania’s construction workers. Funds support AFSP initiatives like Hard Hat Courage and other construction-focused suicide-prevention programs, including:

Talk Saves Lives presentations tailored to the construction industry
Jobsite-ready educational materials and toolbox talks
Resources that encourage early intervention, peer support, and help-seeking behaviors

AFSP’s Hard Hat Courage program has already reached hundreds of thousands of construction professionals nationwide, helping normalize conversations around mental health and equipping workers with tools to recognize warning signs and support one another.

The KCA and MBAWPA’s collaboration represents a growing movement within the construction industry to treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety. Together, these organizations strive to reduce stigma, strengthen support systems, and ultimately save lives.

About Keystone Contractors Association (KCA)

The Keystone Contractors Association represents Pennsylvania’s commercial construction contractors, advocating for policies and programs that support a safe, skilled, and sustainable construction workforce. KCA works closely with industry partners to promote workforce development, safety, and mental well-being across the Commonwealth. KCA Hike For Hope Team.

About the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania

Founded in 1886, the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania represents its region’s commercial construction industry and is committed to advancing safety, education, and workforce initiatives that strengthen the industry and the communities it serves. MBAWPA Yinz Good Hike For Hope Team.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the nation’s largest private funder of suicide-prevention research and a leading organization in education, advocacy, and community engagement to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Pennsylvania Hike For Hope Homepage.

Media Contact: Jon O’Brien, Executive Director

Keystone Contractors Association

Phone: 717-731-6272 Jon@KeystoneContractors.com www.KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending February 6, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Here are the top stories from Pennsylvania:

New $3.5 B Lilly Manufacturing Facility Announced: Eli Lilly selected the Lehigh Valley for a major next-generation injectable medicines plant, expected to generate about 2,000 construction jobs. READ MORE.

Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: Construction officially started on a massive 5.5 million-sq-ft Class A industrial park in Berks County, repurposing the former Bethlehem Steel site. Phase 1 aims for completion by late 2026, creating hundreds of construction jobs and boosting economic activity. READ MORE.

Pennsylvania Construction Industry Supports PA WORKS: KCA joins industry organizations in applauding State Representative Bryan Cutler for introducing legislation to launch Pennsylvania WORKS (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention & Knowledge Scholarships). Rep Cutler’s PA WORKS cosponsor memo. To read the KCA press release click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: Last week KCA representatives joined with Cumberland County elected officials and Cumberland Valley School District Directors for a tour of two of their construction projects – Green Ridge and Eagle View schools. Tours provided by Massaro Corporation and Lobar Inc.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA Joins Construction Industry in Applauding Rep. Bryan Cutler’s Introduction of PA WORKS Scholarship Program

New initiative designed to address Pennsylvania’s growing construction workforce shortage.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) today announced its strong support for legislation introduced by Republican Education Chairman Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to establish the PA WORKS Scholarship Program (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention and Knowledge Scholarship Program), a new initiative designed to address Pennsylvania’s growing construction workforce shortage.

The PA WORKS Scholarship Program would create a direct pipeline from education to employment by allowing eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward scholarships for students enrolled in construction-and skilled-trades-related programs through accredited construction management, safety or building science programs. With approximately 260,000 construction workers in Pennsylvania, the urgency to support students pursuing construction-related degrees grows with every retirement.

“Representative Cutler’s PA WORKS Scholarship Program is a smart, targeted investment that helps students access high-demand careers while ensuring employers have the skilled workforce they need,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director, Keystone Contractors Association. “Pennsylvania’s construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that threatens our ability to meet infrastructure, housing and economic development needs.”

Over 75 percent of Pennsylvania construction companies have reported difficulty filing open positions. By reducing financial barriers for students pursuing technical and professional degrees, PA WORKS Scholarship Program aims to expand access to family-sustaining careers in the construction industry and many organizations are excited about this new scholarship program.

“The backbone of our economy is built by skilled hands and informed minds. Like our apprenticeship programs, scholarships empower students to enter construction with confidence and technical excellence – and that strengthens every jobsite in America,” said William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“Scholarships open the door for talent that might otherwise be left out. By supporting young people pursuing construction degrees, we grow a workforce that’s stronger, more diverse, and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s jobs,” said Jesse DiRenna, Business Manager, Operating Engineers Local 66.

“This legislation recognizes what contractors across the state already know: workforce development starts with education,” added Joseph Orr III, President, Keystone Contractors Association. “If we are serious about building Pennsylvania’s future, we must invest in the students preparing to lead it. Scholarships for construction degree students strengthen our workforce pipeline, raise safety and quality standards and ensure our industry has the talent it needs to deliver complex projects for decades to come.”

The Keystone Contractors Association commends Rep. Cutler for his leadership on workforce development and looks forward to working with legislators and stakeholders to advance the PA WORKS Scholarship Program (PA WORKS Scholarship Program Memo).

About KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association represents construction companies based across Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that promote growth in our Commonwealth, workforce development and a strong, sustainable construction industry. For more information, please visit www.KeystoneContractors.com or contact 717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.

KCA Opposes House Bill 1541, Citing Anti-Business Impacts & Increased Construction Litigation

KCA supports policies that make Pennsylvania more competitive and promotes business growth.

For Immediate Release

Harrisburg, PA – The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) today announced its opposition to Pennsylvania House Bill 1541, warning that the legislation would undermine the Commonwealth’s business climate, discourage investment and significantly increase construction-related litigation.

KCA represents construction contractors and industry partners across Pennsylvania who build the commercial, industrial and infrastructure that support economic growth and job creation. According to the association, HB 1541 moves Pennsylvania in the wrong direction at a time when the state should be working to attract commerce and remain competitive with neighboring states.

“House Bill 1541 is anti-business and sends exactly the wrong signal to employers, developers and investors considering Pennsylvania,” said Jon O’Brien, executive director, KCA. “Instead of encouraging growth and collaboration, this bill would increase legal uncertainty and expose construction projects to greater risk.”

KCA cautions that the legislation would lead to more construction litigation, driving up costs, delaying projects and diverting resources away from building and job creation. Those added costs, the association notes, would ultimately be passed on to taxpayers, businesses and consumers.

“Pennsylvania’s construction industry thrives when there is clarity, fairness and predictability,” O’Brien said. “HB 1541 creates the opposite – inviting more lawsuits, higher costs and slows projects moving forward.”

The KCA also expressed concern that the bill could slow or deter much-needed commercial development, housing, infrastructure projects and energy projects – many projects which sustain thousands of family-sustaining construction jobs across Pennsylvania.

“KCA urges lawmakers to reject House Bill 1541 and instead work collaboratively with the construction and business community on policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and keep our state competitive,” O’Brien said.

About the KCA: The KCA represents construction companies based across Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that promote business growth in our Commonwealth, workforce development and a strong, sustainable construction industry.

Media Contact: Jon O’Brien, Executive Director

717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com

www.KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending January 30, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Here are the top stories from Pennsylvania:

PennDOT Invests in Rail Infrastructure: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced a $53 million investment in rail infrastructure focused on freight mobility enhancements, track rehabilitation, and bridge work across the state — expected to support hundreds of jobs. READ MORE.

Steel Framed Affordable Housing Approach in Northeast PA: A new approach to affordable home construction using cold-formed steel rather than traditional wood framing is gaining attention in northeast Pennsylvania. This method promises greater durability and scalability and may influence future residential construction trends. READ MORE.

Building A Strong Workforce Seminar Series Kicks Off: Hosted by the KCA and its Mental Health Awareness Task Force and in partnership with Pro-A, the kickoff seminar in this series aimed to identify signs and symptoms of substance use disorder, understanding contributing risk factors, impacts on the trades and learning prevention and support strategies. To watch this seminar click here. The next seminar in this series, #2 of #4, is scheduled for February 25, noon. This hybrid event will take place at Pennoni in Mechanicsburg. For more information visit: Building A Strong Workforce, Building A Culture of Support.

Lastly, we would like to thank Constellation for offering the KCA a tour of the Crane Clean Energy Center (formally known as Three Mile Island). This week’s newsletter features a photo from the tour.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending January 23, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

The top construction stories this week in Pennsylvania:

Major Construction Policy & Workforce News: The Pennsylvania Senate held a hearing focused on legislation that would require local labor for public construction projects — a big deal for the building trades and workforce policy. READ MORE.

Data Center Growth & Debate: Statewide Debate Over Data Center Construction: As more AI-related data centers expand across Pennsylvania, residents and some lawmakers are pushing back, citing concerns about energy usage, cost spikes, and community impact — even as state leaders support development. READ MORE.

Building A Stronger Construction Workforce: Construction is a tough industry and KCA’s monthly seminar series tackles the real mental health facing our workers. The first seminar is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday, January 28, noon. For details click: Building A Stronger Construction Workforce.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for the Week Ending January 9, 2026

The 1st Construction Weekly Recap of 2026!

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania:

Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: Construction officially began on the 5.5 million-square-foot Southern Berks Industrial Park in New Morgan Borough, Berks County — one of the largest industrial developments in the state. Phase 1 includes four buildings (~2.65 M sf) scheduled to be complete by late 2026. Expected to create about 450 jobs in Phase 1 and ~2,750 jobs overall. Could generate roughly $2 billion in economic activity and includes a favorable tax abatement incentive (LERTA). READ MORE.

Construction Begins on Silver Spring Logistics Park (Central PA): Rockefeller Group and MBK Real Estate have started building the first two distribution facilities at the Silver Spring Logistics Park near Mechanicsburg — part of a planned ~2 million-square-foot three-building logistics campus. Enhances Pennsylvania’s industrial real estate footprint. Helps absorb demand for distribution and supply-chain space in central Pennsylvania. READ MORE.

Pa. Poised for Continued Data Center & Tech Campus Growth: Pennsylvania’s push to grow data center and tech infrastructure remains a major construction theme — including massive planned projects and site developments: JLL markets a huge data center site in Washington County (1,500 acres targeted for development). These digital infrastructure projects translate into significant construction activity and long-term economic development. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA’s 2025 Year in Review

2025 was a standout year for the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) — one defined by consistent advocacy, deepened community impact, unwavering focus on safety, and steady reinforcement of its role as a leading voice for Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.

Under the leadership from the KCA Board of Directors and its staff, KCA continued to deliver on its core pillars: safety, education & training, labor relations, community service, and government relations. The association maintained its reputation for practical, people-centered initiatives while expanding its reach across the Commonwealth.

Key highlights that defined the year included:

Safety remained front and center — From weekly toolbox talks and ongoing initiatives to stocking active jobsites with naloxone through partnerships with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). KCA played a key role in distributing life-saving overdose reversal medication, with over 400,000 doses provided statewide in the first half of 2025 alone. This built on KCA’s long-standing commitment to protecting workers both on the jobsite and in their communities.
Community engagement and giving back — Through programs like ACE Mentor Program, the KCA Scholarship Program and participation in other industry initiatives like neighborhood cleanups and toy drives, the association strengthened its “building better communities” ethos. Events and outreach emphasized workforce development, career pathways, and support for local projects that benefit Pennsylvania residents.
Education, events, and advocacy — KCA kept up a strong cadence of webinars, training sessions, and industry events, including collaborations in the area of mental health awareness for example. Weekly recaps and newsletters kept members informed on top Pennsylvania construction stories, labor updates, and policy developments. The year wrapped with festive holiday gatherings (including the notable AEC Holiday Event in mid-December) and a forward-looking tone celebrating the progress made.
Member growth and influence — As part of industry and business coalitions, from educational groups helping to build a strong workforce to business organizations uniting to form good public policy, KCA continued to advocate effectively for the industry, fostering strong government and stakeholder relationships while championing continuing education and project excellence.

In essence, 2025 was the year KCA solidified its foundation — not through dramatic overhauls, but through reliable execution, meaningful partnerships, and real-world impact that made construction safer, smarter, and more community-oriented across Pennsylvania.

The association heads into 2026 positioned stronger than ever, with the same positive, confident energy that has become its trademark: KCA Builds PA — and it built exceptionally well in 2025.

Here’s to carrying that momentum forward!

A Holiday Message from the KCA!

Dear Pennsylvania Construction Professionals:

As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, we are reminded that nothing is more important than sending our people home safe—every day.

The construction industry has made meaningful progress, but this season is an important opportunity to recommit ourselves to what matters most: safer jobsites, strong safety training, and consistent/proper use of personal protective equipment.

Every incident prevented, every hazard addressed, and every safety conversation held protects more than a worker—it protects a family waiting at home. Especially during the holiday season, the impact of safety decisions on the job is felt far beyond the jobsite.

We encourage all construction companies to:

Reinforce jobsite safety expectations at every level
Invest in ongoing, hands-on safety training
Lead by example with proper and consistent PPE usage
Empower workers to speak up about unsafe conditions without fear
Treat safety as a core value, not just a requirement
Promote awareness of opioid risks and overdose prevention (make sure each jobsite is equipped with Naloxone – contact KCA for FREE supplies)
Start your week with the KCA Safety Toolbox Talk (to subscribe click here)

Safety is not seasonal, but this time of year reminds us why it matters so deeply. A moment of attention, a properly worn piece of PPE, or a refresher training can be the difference between celebration and tragedy.

As an industry, we build the places where life happens. Let’s also continue building a culture where safety is prioritized, training is continuous, and every worker knows they are valued and protected.

On behalf of the Keystone Contractors Association, we wish you and your teams a safe, healthy, and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year defined by strong safety performance and continued improvement.

Sincerely,

The Keystone Contractors Association

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for the Week Ending December 19, 2025

This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania:

KCA’s Mental Awareness Task Force Announces Monthly Seminar Series: Titled, Building A Stronger Workforce, the KCA announced this week that starting January 28, 2026, the Association will host a monthly seminar series. Construction is a tough industry and this series tackles real life mental health issues impacting our industry. For more info: A 2026 Construction Seminar Series Building A Stronger Workforce.

Groundbreaking on Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park: A huge 5.5 million-sq-ft industrial park officially broke ground in Southern Berks County, on land once part of the Bethlehem Steel site. Once complete, it’s expected to generate ~2,750 jobs and roughly $2 billion in economic activity, with Phase I scheduled by late 2026. READ MORE.

Pennsylvania Continues Explosive Data Center Expansion: Despite environmental and grid capacity concerns, Pennsylvania’s data center construction boom is accelerating—with approvals like converting the former Cheswick coal plant into a data center moving forward. This positions Pennsylvania as a major hub for AI-driven infrastructure, though some communities and energy regulators are pushing back. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!